Football

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Jorge Jesus row: All that has happened so far

Ronaldo, 41, apologised to his teammates and supporters for leaving the Portugal camp midway through the Nations League fixtures but provided a detailed account of the events that led to his decision

Son Heung-min surpasses Cha Bum to become top goal scorer for South Korea

Son Heung-min became South Korea's all-time leading scorer when his 59th goal helped the team beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in a friendly on Tuesday. The sixth-minute free kick moved Son past Cha Bum-kun's record of 58. Cha retired from international soccer after the 1986 World Cup. Oh Se-hun added a second goal on the hour as South Korea won comfortably at Mireu Stadium in Yongin, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Seoul. Son also holds South Korea's appearance record with 151 caps. He made his international debut in 2010 and has played at four World Cups. The 34-year-old joined Los Angeles FC in 2025 after a decade with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. The win ended a mixed international break for South Korea and interim coach Robert Moreno. The team beat Ecuador 3-0, lost to Uruguay 4-1 and drew with Venezuela 0-0. South Korea and Uzbekistan are preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup which kicks off in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 7.

Messi bids farewell to Argentina with a goal and two assists against Benin

The 39-year-old, who earned his 208th cap, received a standing ovation from the crowd, his teammates and the coaching staff during an emotional evening in Buenos Aires

Mohun Bagan edge past Punjab FC 4-3 on penalties to win IFA Shield

Punjab FC went down narrowly 3-4 on penalties to defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant to end their campaign at IFA Shield here on Sunday. The Shers stayed competitive throughout 120 minutes and came close to finding the breakthrough on several occasions before Mohun Bagan prevailed in the shootout. The defending champions will face the winner of the second semifinal between East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC in the final. Punjab FC were tested by an intense Mohun Bagan press in the opening stages but remained compact and organised. The first chance came in the third minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte's effort took a slight deflection, but Arshdeep Singh kept his composure to collect. Mohun Bagan threatened again five minutes later when Asish Rai reached an aerial through ball and set up Lee Erwin with a first-time pass after Arshdeep rushed off his line. The Punjab FC defence recovered quickly to block Erwin's effort and clear the danger. Erwin then tested Arshdeep from a

Carlo Ancelotti praises India's fighting spirit, hails Brazil's new talent

Brazilian head coach Carlo Ancelotti was impressed by India's "organised" defense and counter-attacking approach but said his team found it "easier" to control the game after breaking the deadlock in its 4-0 win in the historic football friendly here on Saturday. Playing under muggy conditions with a rejigged side, the five-time world champions had to navigate some anxious moments in the first 27 minutes before Estevao (28th), Pedro (42nd) and Samuel Lino (58th, 90+5) secured a comfortable win over world No. 138 India. "They defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. I think they played a good game," Ancelotti said of India in the post-match interaction. The Italian great felt the opening goal changed the complexion of the contest. "We had difficulty to open the score but the moment we opened the score with Estevao, we had more opportunity to control better the game," he said. Ancelotti was pleased with Brazil's clean sheet but admitted there was still wor

Ballon d'Or rivals Yamal, Kane star in Nations League wins for ESP and ENG

Ballon d'Or rivals Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane starred as Spain and England won their matches in the Nations League. Both are in contention to win the prestigious award on Oct. 26. Kane scored twice as England crushed Croatia 7-0 away and Yamal scored another brilliant curling shot from outside the penalty area as Spain won at home to Czechia 3-1 for a 40th game unbeaten. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and substitute Mikel Merino also scored as Spain recorded a third straight win to stay three points ahead of England in their Nations League A group. Prolific Kane ======== With his brace of goals, Kane extended his national record to 89 international goals - 36 more than Wayne Rooney in second place on England's list of scorers. Right winger Bukayo Saka also netted twice, while left winger Anthony Gordon set up Jude Bellingham's goal and grabbed one himself. Substitute Morgan Rogers completed the rout in Rijeka. "We were so fluid right from the start. It just never stopped,"

India vs Brazil live streaming: Where to watch today's football match?

The India vs Brazil match will begin at 7:30 pm IST; fans can watch the match live on Sony Sports and stream it on SonyLIV

India vs Panama live streaming: Where to watch today's football match?

The India vs Panama match will begin at 7:30 pm IST; fans can watch the match live on Sony Sports and stream it on SonyLIV

Kylian Mbappe leaves Nike after 20 years; partners with Swiss brand On

Mbappe had been associated with Nike since he was nine years old. His contract with the US sportswear giant expired on July 31, ending a relationship that lasted almost 20 years

Saudi club fined and handed closed-door game over apparent Jota taunts

Saudi club Al-Taawon has been fined and ordered to play behind closed doors after video appeared to show fans chanting about the late Portugal forward Diogo Jota. The Saudi soccer federation said fans had "chanted phrases and slogans that violated" its ethics. Al-Taawon was fined 100,000 Saudi Riyals (around $26,700) and ordered to play its next two home games without fans. The governing body said the decision could not be appealed. Footage appeared online over the weekend showing Portugal international Ruben Neves reacting to what sounded like chants of Jota's name during Al-Hilal's 6-0 win against Al-Taawon. Liverpool striker Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car accident in Spain in July 2025. Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, a teammate of Jota's, called for lifetime bans for fans involved in the chants. "The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour," the Al-Nassr forward commented on a video of the incident on Instagram. "This is no

Lionel Messi's 100th Inter Miami goal seals 2-0 win over Cruz Azul

Lionel Messi scored the 100th goal of his Inter Miami career and Casemiro added another as Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup. Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, heading in a cross from Luis Suarez for his 100th goal in 115 appearances across all competitions with Miami. The milestone came against the same club Messi scored his first Inter Miami goal against. He scored on a stoppage-time free kick to beat Cruz Azul 2-1 in his Miami debut in July 2023. Casemiro made it 2-0 in the 81st minute, heading in a corner from Messi. The Brazilian midfielder has scored four goals, all headers, in his last five matches after scoring in three consecutive games against CF Montreal, Atlanta United and Chicago before being held scoreless Saturday against Nashville. The victory gave Inter Miami another trophy three years after Messi's arrival. Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters' Shield in 2024 and MLS Cup in 2025.

Raheem Sterling admits dangerous driving following highway collision in UK

Former England forward Raheem Sterling admitted dangerous driving on Tuesday after being involved in a collision on a highway. Sterling pleaded guilty at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court to driving his Lamborghini Urus dangerously before he crashed on the M3 in southern England on May 28. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, officials previously said. The 31-year-old also admitted possession of six nitrous oxide canisters for wrongful inhalation, a class C drug, and failing to provide a specimen. Sterling, who scored 20 goals in 82 appearances for England, is currently without a club. He has played for a number of England's top teams - Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal - and was at Dutch club Feyenoord on a short-term deal last season.

Messi's 13th assist helps Casemiro level for Inter Miami against Chicago

Lionel Messi collected his league-leading 13th assist of the season when he set up Carlos Casemiro for the equalizer early in the second half, and Inter Miami tied Chicago 1-1 before a crowd of 63,094 - the most for a Fire match at Soldier Field. Inter Miami (12-4-8) evened the score three minutes into the second half when Messi sent the ball Casemiro's way off a free kick for his third goal in his eighth MLS appearance. Casemiro's goals have come on headers in three straight matches. Chicago (11-6-6) jumped in front in the 10th minute on a goal by Robert Lewandowski - his sixth in his first nine MLS matches. Defender Andrew Gutman picked up his sixth assist and Robin Lod notched his fourth as the Fire took the lead into halftime. Chris Brady had six saves for Chicago. Brady made a diving save on a shot by German Berterame in the 16th minute - one of three first-half saves to keep the Fire in front. Dayne St. Claire saved two shots for Inter Miami, which has gone 1-2-4 since the st

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr target Asian Champions League glory in Saudi title bid

What could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last chance to win a first Asian Champions League title for his Saudi club will get underway next week. Ronaldo's Al-Nassr is one of five Saudi Pro League teams in the tournament. Combined, they've spent more than $2 billion on foreign players since 2023, with Al-Ahli lifting the continental trophy in each of the last two seasons. Al-Ahli captain and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is hoping to make it three in a row in the 32-team tournament. "This is the biggest club in Saudi Arabia and Asia and we will do everything to win," Mendy, who signed from English Premier League club Chelsea in 2023, told The Associated Press. "Last year, we won the Champions League and we will have to use all the things we did then to be successful this time, too. We are building year after year." One competition, two zones ================= The tournament is divided into two geographic zones until the playoffs, with the top eight teams from each progressing to the Round of

Dembele, Kane, Mbappe lead Ballon d'Or race as Putellas leads womens field

Last year's winner Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe are among the top contenders for the men's Ballon d'Or. The 30 men's and 30 women's nominees were revealed by France Football magazine on Tuesday, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in London on Oct. 26. In the women's field, two-time winner Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay are among the favorites. Aitana Bonmati, the winner of the past three awards, did not make the cut after missing most of the season through injury. She returned at the end of Barcelona's quadruple-winning season that included another Champions League title. Dembele and Mbappe both played for France at the World Cup, where their team lost to eventual champion Spain in the semifinals. Although it's difficult to win the accolade without a major trophy, Mbappe made history when he overtook Lionel Messi for the most all-time World Cup goals (22), in fewer games. After claiming a second straight Champions League title with Pari

Modric included in Croatia squad for Nations League 2026-27 edition

Luka Modric was named by coach Slaven Bilic in the Croatia squad on Monday for the Nations League to continue his standout international career. When Croatia plays at Czech Republic in its opening Group A game of the Nations League on Sept. 26, Modric will earn his 203rd cap at age 41. In July he signed up for one more club season with AC Milan. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has more international games (233) for Portugal and Lionel Messi who announced his retirement from international soccer with Argentina a week ago had 207. "I did not have to persuade him," Bilic said. "He is passionate about Croatia and the national team, so this is a win-win situation." Croatia also faces World Cup champion Spain and England in the group as England in the 2026-27 Nations League group phase that runs from September to November. Bilic suggested Modric won't be used in all group matches. "He will play at a pace that suits both him and us, similar to his rhythm at Milan," he said. "We have to respect t

Pochettino calls for change in US mindset after Pulisic's Gold Cup snub

US coach Mauricio Pochettino vowed to change the attitude and habits of the American national team as he starts a second term, appearing to refer to star Christian Pulisic's decision to skip the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. "It was difficult to make the roster for the Gold Cup one year before because the mindset was different," Pochettino said Monday during an online question-and-answer session with reporters. "You say, 'If I play, I have not holidays. I cannot arrive fresh for the World Cup.' ... You know now that is bull----." Pochettino said his goal "is to change this type of idea that are not right." Pulisic, the top American player, took himself out of consideration for the 2025 Gold Cup citing the need to rest after his season with AC Milan and the hope to be fresh for the 2026 World Cup. He didn't score in four World Cup appearances this year, missing one group-stage match because of a calf injury and leaving the Americans' round of 16 loss to Belgium on July 6 after fracturing h

Man United suffer late blow as Everton snatch 2-2 draw in Premier League

Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck in added time to rescue a 2-2 draw for Everton against Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday. The deadline day signing came off the bench to make his debut and curled a brilliant long-range shot into the top corner to salvage a point for his new club. United twice led at Hill Dickinson Stadium through goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, who looked to have scored the winner in the 88th. But Everton had an answer on both occasions, with Tyrique George also scoring. "Everybody wants to start off like that," Maitland-Niles said. "The ball fell to me on the edge of the box. I put my foot through it, it ended up in the top corner, which I'm happy about." It was another setback for United, which has just one win from its opening three games of the season after a loss to Hull and victory against Ipswich. Defensive frailties cost United again as it conceded two goals for the third game running. Mbeumo fired United in front straight after .

Lamine Yamal hits brace as Barcelona seal fourth straight La Liga win

Barcelona stayed perfect in the Spanish league by cruising to a 5-0 win at Valencia, with Lamine Yamal scoring another brace for the Catalan club. Arsenal rallied to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Premier League, while Manchester United was stunned in added time to draw 2-2 at Everton on Sunday. Federico Gatti scored two minutes into stoppage time as Juventus drew 1-1 with AC Milan in Serie A. Augsburg moved to the top of the Bundesliga by winning 4-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt, and American midfielder Giovanni Reyna scored in Strasbourg's 6-2 rout of Troyes in France. Barcelona keeps winning in Spain ===================== Barcelona won its fourth game in a row at the start of the Spanish league and is the only team with a perfect record after four rounds. Yamal scored a goal in each half following his first two goals of the season in the win against Rayo Vallecano in the previous round. "I think we played a fantastic game," Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said. "We controlled the game, we we

PSG continue their $460m summer sell-off as Ibrahim Mbaye joins Aston Villa

Two-time European champion Paris Saint-Germain sold yet another player on transfer deadline day, with Ibrahim Mbaye joining Aston Villa as the French club continues its metamorphosis from big spender to big earner. The Senegal forward joined on a permanent transfer, both clubs said. PSG has been the European club generating the highest transfer revenues from departures this summer, with a total of more than 400 million euros ($464 million), ahead of Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Manchester City. PSG parted ways with a big name - France forward Bradley Barcola - in the biggest signing of the summer transfer window, but has only sold players who were used in a substitute role by coach Luis Enrique, a deliberate strategy of the club. The 18-year-old Mbaye, a product of PSG youth academy, has 15 caps with Senegal and became the youngest African player to score at the World Cup this summer in a 3-1 defeat against France. Two years ago, he also was the youngest PSG player to make